THE END OF THE ROAD FOR DISTRACTED DRIVING
Distracted driving is defined as any activity that takes your attention away from the road. Texting and talking on the phone divert your attention away from driving and significantly increase the risks of a serious accident occurring. In just one year, Long Island has seen a 27% increase in the number of fatalities caused by distracted driving. EAC Network offers a range of educational programs designed to inform people about the seriousness of the issue, and help reduce the risks posed to residents by distracted driving. A recent study revealed that 48% of people reported reading texts while driving, with just 4.9% enrolling in education programs such as those that EAC Network provides.
All age groups are affected
While the overall number of motor vehicle crashes has declined, crashes caused by distracted driving are significantly increasing in the United States. The public is not unaware of the problem, as EAC Network and other organizations run successful campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers caused by careless drivers. Although young people have the highest crash rates related to using cell phones when driving, the problem goes well beyond their age group, with drivers of all ages engaging in behavior that poses a serious risk to not only themselves and the people in their vehicle, but to everyone else on the road too.
Raising awareness about the issue
Studies have shown that awareness raising campaigns have had a wider impact in reducing the rate of distracted driving than legislation that has recently been introduced in some states to limit drivers’ cell phone use. Long Island police issue an average of 36 tickets a day for distracted driving offences. The efforts of multifaceted prevention programs like SCOPE, which promote best practices when behind the wheel, have seen an overall increase in public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
Phones are distracting people to death
Some cell phone manufacturers have admitted that their products have addictive qualities, which make it hard for people to stop themselves from using their phones. It has been suggested that phone makers could simply cut off the cell phones of people that are driving. The president of the National Safety Council has confirmed that such technology does exist.
Every study conducted about distracted driving confirms that all people, regardless of their age and ability, significantly increase their risk of causing an accident by using cell phones when behind the wheel. By attending education programs to fully comprehend the impact of the issue, and storing devices away before driving, we can all contribute to improving the safety of our roads and help save lives which would otherwise be needlessly lost.
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Jennifer Perry followed her passion of freelance writing. When she isn’t working, she loves long hikes among nature, cooking and being with her family.
